We are approaching the end of the semester. Before you know it, finals are going to be in full swing. Maybe your semester has been going great, and you’ve developed study habits that let you ace your tests. On the other hand, perhaps your study habits could use some work. Let’s get them in shape before finals are upon us.

The Importance and Beauty of Habits

When was the last time you thought about how to tie your shoes? Or brush your teeth? That’s the beauty of habits. You don’t have to think about them. You just do them.

That’s what I want for your study habits. They should be automatic. You don’t want to have to think about them. So how can you get to a point where your study habits are automatic? Let’s discuss one of my favorite habits to get you started.

Checking Your Work

Checking your work can save you valuable points on homework and tests. It keeps you from making those little mistakes. But once you’re done with a test the last thing you want to do is go back and check your work, right? That’s why we’re going to make this an automatic habit that you just do and don’t even think about.

I want you to spend some time thinking about what happens when you take a test. Write down every step, including checking your work. Literally break it down to the tiniest step like picking up your pencil. Then when you next take a test simply go through that check list. Don’t think about it. Just go from one step to the other.

To make this really stick, come up with a reward. Every time you check your work, do something fun. Pretty soon that A on the test will be reward enough.

Action Steps

1. List every step for taking a test including checking your work.
2. At your next test, use your checklist to eliminate the decision making of what to do next.
3. Give yourself a reward each time you successfully check your work.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net